Struggling to define your B&B’s purpose? This guide to writing a B&B vision statement will help you find clarity.

Let’s be honest. “Vision statement” sounds like something from a company with a boardroom and a break room—neither of which your B&B has. But here’s the thing: having a clear vision isn’t about sounding posh or ticking boxes. It’s about knowing where you’re headed so you don’t get lost in the chaos of daily check-ins, breakfast shifts, and clogged guest toilets.

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This episode is your simple, honest guide to writing a B&B vision statement that actually helps your business—and doesn’t end up gathering dust in a Google Doc. We’ll talk about what a vision statement is, why it matters, and how to write one that reflects you (not a corporate handbook). By the end, you’ll know how to craft a sentence or two that keeps your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds—just the way a great host should be.

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Start With the End in Mind

A good vision statement is like your B&B’s north star. It’s not about today’s breakfast menu or this weekend’s wedding party. It’s about what kind of business—and life—you want to build.

Here’s what it isn’t:

• “We want to provide a comfortable stay.” (Yawn.)

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• “Our mission is to give guests a great experience.” (Still too vague.)

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Here’s what it is:

• “To be the countryside escape guests remember for our stories, not just our scones.”

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• “To create a guesthouse where families return every year—because it feels like visiting friends.”

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It’s about capturing the heart of what you’re building—not just the bricks.

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🎓 In the “Mastering B&B Management: Comprehensive Guide to Starting, Running, & Growing Your Bed & Breakfast” course, Module 2 walks you through this exact exercise as part of your business plan. It’s not fluff—it’s fuel.

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What’s the Point? You’re Busy!

Totally fair. You’re probably reading this with a spatula in one hand and a fresh set of towels in the other. So why bother writing a vision statement at all?

Here’s why it matters:

• Decision-making shortcut: Should you host yoga retreats next year? Well—does that align with your vision? Now you’ve got a filter.

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• Marketing clarity: Your vision can inspire your website copy and social posts. Guests aren’t just booking beds—they’re buying into your story.

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• Staff alignment: If you grow and hire help (yes, you’ll get there!), your vision keeps everyone rowing in the same direction.

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And best of all? It’s a mini pep talk on paper. For the days when the Wi-Fi goes down and someone leaves jam in the kettle (true story), your vision reminds you why you’re doing this.

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Write It Like You Talk

Don’t get stuck in “corporate speak”. Your B&B isn’t a bank. Use your voice, your quirks, even your sense of humour. Write something that makes you smile—or gives you goosebumps.

Try this:

• Picture your B&B five years from now. What’s happening? Who’s walking through the door? What are they saying on checkout?

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• Jot down three words that describe what makes you different. Not better—different.

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• Use those to shape a sentence or two that’s future-focused and emotionally charged.

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Example:

“We’re building a lakeside retreat where guests unplug, unwind, and feel like part of our odd little family—because the world needs more connection, not just accommodation.”

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That’s a vision. It’s honest, memorable, and totally you.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s nip these in the bud:

• Too long: If it doesn’t fit on a tea towel, it’s too wordy.

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• Too vague: “We want to be the best.” Best what? For whom? Why?

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• Too safe: Don’t try to please everyone. That’s how you end up pleasing no one.

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Your vision is a compass—not a slogan. It should make decisions easier, not harder.

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Check It Against Your Gut

Once you’ve drafted your vision statement, say it out loud. Then ask yourself:

• Does this feel like me?

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• Will this still make sense in five years?

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• Would my guests recognise this in their experience?

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If the answer is yes, you’re on to something. If not, tweak it till it feels true.

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Want help shaping yours? That’s exactly what the “Mastering B&B Management: Comprehensive Guide to Starting, Running, & Growing Your Bed & Breakfast” course helps with. You’ll walk away with a clear vision, a real plan, and a whole lot more confidence.

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You dream of sunny porches and happy guests…
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But there’s a to-do list taped to the fridge.

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Get the “Your B&B Starter Blueprint” download. It’s how you start smart, not scrambled.

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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Your Turn: What’s Your Vision?

Take five minutes, scribble a draft, or just answer this:

If your B&B could be famous for one thing, what would it be?

Drop your response in the comments.

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5 Top Takeaways:

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In Conclusion

A vision statement isn’t for your filing cabinet—it’s for your fridge door. It’s the “why” behind the ironing, the admin, and the occasional emergency pancake rescue.

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Let it guide you. Let it excite you. And above all, let it reflect the business—and the life—you’re building.

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🎓 Want more help turning your vision into a plan?
Check out the “Mastering B&B Management: Comprehensive Guide to Starting, Running, & Growing Your Bed & Breakfast” course. It’s packed with tools, templates, and tea-fuelled advice to get you from dream to done.